I see a No Bell Piece Prize for Journalizm in your future, Kim. Keep up the good work!

The desecration of the flag is outrageous. Also, I read a quote earlier from one of Obama's inaugural committee spokesperson saying the money spent is justified because "It is not a celebration of an election. It is a celebration of our common values." I wonder what common values she was talking about?

So Adrian, you must think it's OK to waste 160MM $ on vanity and narcissism during the "worst financial crisis since the great depression"?

It's also good to see Ms. Florman is "always very budget concious" lolololololol

Expensive for an inauguration, cheap for a coronation. Time will tell whether he's worth the money or not - but if a Republican had been elected, I'm pretty sure that a great stink would be raised for spending over a third of the amount...

As far as the celebration of 'common values' goes - isn't spending what you don't have a common value of government any more? Shouldn't it be celebrated?

The liberal media was horrified when Bush spent $40 million on his inauguration in 2005.

Obamababoon's inauguration will cost $160 million.

Where's the outrage liberal media?

Wait, ODA315, you use quotes around "worst financial crisis since the great depression" . . . are you actually quoting or being sarcastic? Because just a few months ago, your brood was telling us how fine and sound we were economically.

At the same time, I am shocked at how much nontaxpayer money is being spent on this.

What's the difference between $40 Million, or $160 Million, or even $1 Trillion? It's not like they're spending real money or anything. Sheesh, we're in currency-printing mode right now. Why not just print up another $160 Million while we're about the task?

Doesn't anybody see the real issue? When your currency is fiat, issues such as this are ancillary. Change the topic to the discussion of abolishing the Federal Reserve and you'll have a conversation of relevance.

Many criticisms of Bush's inaugural four years ago can be found here.

Please stop making it up about the cost of Obama's Inauguration, Kim! Would you rather believe a lie or the truth?

since we're burning up more than $2 billion a week on the fraudulent war in iraq, its funny to see neocons break character on this issue. oh well. rail away...

now strap yourselves in folks. mere hours from now you will see an immense national and global outpouring of disgust for bu$h and his utterly failed presidency, tempered only by the true joy that accompanies this changing of the guard, and the justified faith that america will be renewed. the america as we have known it for the past 8 years is gone. the neocon movement is gone. it will not come back. ever.

The lefties are truley learning disabled. All the trolls missed the point of the post, as usual. Right out of the chute we have a troll putting down Kim for her writing. No comment on the subject. Oh yeah! And Pea...the democrats have been in leadership in the congress for two + years now yet they fund the war. In case you don't know how the government works, the president can say he is sending troops everywhere, but if he is not appropriated the money from congress, it ain't going to happen. What say you? This has been a dem war for two years now. ww

Anybody seen my tranquilizer gun?

How can the Wizbang Lefty Squad justify not criticizing the silence on the cost of Obama's party? These very same people were up in arms when Bush spent what, approximately 1/4 of that? I don't want any hemming and hawing, Winzbag leftists. Just answer a direct question: How do you reconcile complaining about Bush's costs but not complaining about Obama's costs?

Yawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.

The $160 million price-tag is a cold lie! Furthermore, Obama isn't even in office as of yet.

Republicans are hypocrites. Bush spent spent spent on a War that shouldn't have been authorized but you heard nothing but crickets from Republicans.

Great information - thanks for passing it along.

Once again, we have proof that BHO is nothing but talk. It's nice that he can tell us he's going to spread the wealth around and scare us into believing we're all going to be homeless soon if HE doesn't do something about it...yet he's spending an obscene amount of money on his coronation...I mean inauguration.

This man disgusts me...I can't believe I have to call him my president.

~T the D
http://thedrunkelephant.blogspot.com/

I wonder if there will be a photo of a snowball hitting Obama's limo?

Justice58, what is the correct figure please.

The $160 million price-tag is a cold lie! Furthermore, Obama isn't even in office as of yet.

As Double said, just what is the correct figure j58.

Or, are you willing to call all these MSM outlets liars?

This is a great post. But I'm overwhelmed with nausea.
http://www.rightklik.net/

pea[brain]3000 - "now strap yourselves in folks. mere hours from now you will see an immense national and global outpouring of disgust for bu$h and his utterly failed presidency,"

And just where have you been for the last 8 years, that started before Bush took office and was aided and abetted by The Goracle by asking for a recount in three dem held precincts.

I think you can justify security costs to an extent. If security officials believe Obama to be in greater danger than President Bush was, then, fine spend money on security.

Also, to the extent that the increased costs can be attributed to large crowds expected in DC, Obama really has very little control over how many people wish to show up, clog DC roads with their cars, stuff the Metrorail to overflowing with their bodies, and generally be a nuisance. Not that I'm bitter about closed roads and bridges ON A WEEKDAY IN MY HOME TOWN or anything.

Aside from the above, I think the criticisms of Bush's inauguration are quite valid. Especially in times of war or economic trouble, I believe American presidential inaugurations should be somber and understated.

And considering that 2009 is a time of economic trouble, I'm rather disappointed the incoming Obama administration isn't aiming for a somber and understated inaugural.

"Justice58, what is the correct figure please."
18. Posted by Double

(I'm not j58, but here's what ask.com brings up. Posted as found:)

Originally Posted by horizon200 View Post
From what I've been able to decipher:From CNN Money

$45 million from private donations
$1.24 million from congressional committee for actual swearing in ()
$3.5 Million to build the platform (some expensive plywood!)
$1.5 million from capitol police for staffing events
$15 million to the city of DC for "inauguration expenses" details not listed
$75 million to Virginia, MD and DC for transportation and law enforcement

So, $96.24 million in monies from the taxpayer for a total (with donations) of $141 million

Again...that's direct costs...not counting the intangibles I listed earlier.
So the bulk of the potentially non-willing "taxpayer" money is for security and transportation for our new president in very "uncertain" times......good...that makes sense. Stimulus!

The $160 Million price-tag was a lie started by Fox News. Then MSM started repeating it. Ugh!

Stop making shyt up about Obama. I tried putting in a link to show the correct figure but Wizbang won't let it go through.

Just stop lying. It's a blatant cold ass lie!

The software might be preventing you from publishing the link, Justice, but there's nothing that says you can't quote it... including the "true" number.

And BryanD... as usual, you do your own side of the argument more harm than good.

$45 million from private donations

Just where is all this money coming from, and what will they be expecting in return for their money?

J.

j58 - Oh, WHAT A SHOCK, Fox gets blamed!

Funny, I haven't seen anyone else having link placement issues.

But, given that's true, couldn't you have just written it?

Yes, Fox News started it. You didn't think Fox is a credible news source, did you?

And I don't have to lie about putting in a link either, a-hole!

"Did you hear that "some are saying" Barack Obama's inauguration will cost "$160 million," which is $100 million more than George W. Bush's last swearing-in? That's the tale the crew at Fox & Friends was telling on January 15. "Why does the thing have to cost so much?" demanded co-host Gretchen Carlson. "I don't get it. George Bush spent $42.3 million and that was just four years ago." She wondered why Obama needed "another $100 million" for his celebration".

More:

"However, buried in a recent New York Times article published one week before the controversy erupted over the cost of Obama's inauguration, the newspaper reported that in 2005, "the federal government and the District of Columbia spent a combined $115.5 million, most of it for security, the swearing-in ceremony, cleanup and for a holiday for federal workers" [emphasis added]".

"You read that correctly. The federal government spent $115 million dollars for the 2005 inauguration. Keep in mind, that $115 million price tag was separate from the money Bush backers bundled to put on the inauguration festivities. For that, they raised $42 million. So the bottom line for Bush's 2005 inauguration, including the cost of security? That's right, $157 million".

"Unless the Obama inauguration tab (including security) ends up costing $630 million, we can safely say it certainly won't cost four times what the Bush bash did in 2005. And unless the Obama inauguration tab (including security) runs to $257 million, we can safely say the event won't cost $100 million more than Bush's, as Fox & Friends claimed".

"So, for now, can the press and partisans please stop peddling this malignant myth"?

Hate to burst your [delusional] bubble, but that proves nothing j58.

How about this as proof, a date for your Fox excerpt so we can all check "your work."

I.E. do a search of other news outlets to verify if in fact no other source quoted the subject numbers prior to the Fox quote you provided.

And BTW j58 - "District of Columbia spent a combined $115.5 million, most of it for security, the swearing-in ceremony, cleanup and for a holiday for federal workers" [emphasis added]".

Care to guess how much will be added to B. Hussien's bill when "cleanup and for a holiday for federal workers" is added in?

Now this is Hi-larious j58 - your Fox & Friends quote:

"Did you hear that "some are saying" Barack Obama's inauguration will cost "$160 million," which is $100 million more than George W. Bush's last swearing-in? That's the tale the crew at Fox & Friends was telling on January 15.

And note the even media matters confirms the 160 million figure.

Pssty...j58, here's a story dated 14 Jan quoting the same 160 mil figure.

Silly me, last I checked 14 jan predated 17 jan.

Marc,

Use your own d#mn fingers to search for whatever.

KIM quoted: Granted, Bush's numbers don't include money spent on security, but his security certainly wouldn't have come close to what Obama is spending since he has opened up the National Mall to the public.

Don't try to be slick and ignore that statement. If the figure was $160 million, I'd admit it but I don't like outright blatant lies.

So what if President Obama's Inauguration price-tag is $160 million. He deserves it. He's President!

Who gives a d#mn what you think anyway!

"Who gives a d#mn what you think anyway!"

Seems you do, or you wouldn't be getting upset about it.

"So what if President Obama's Inauguration price-tag is $160 million. He deserves it. He's President!"

Would you say the same if it were McCain?

So what if President Obama's Inauguration price-tag is $160 million. He deserves it. He's President!

Well, American currency has no real value any more, so I'll have to agree, Obama deserves it. I was seriously considering buying one of those bobble heads for entertainment value, though...

So no one is going to answer my question? Really?

not a great question jim, mostly because theres nothing close to an apples-to-apples reckoning of what the figures mean or where they came from. thats probably why press is somewhat quiet, although its way too early to compare coverage for an inauguration thats still 2 days away. why dont we compare facts and reporting statistics in a week when theyll make more sense?

lets say for arguments sake (and probably not from fact) that obama is outspending 4 to 1 for the inaugural. i would feel pretty safe saying that a large portion of obama supporters would, like me, question it and wish earnestly that the number was much lower, while in the end not deeming it a big problem

after all, theres a helluva lot more than 4x the excitement this time around! GO-BAMA

=]

"Lawyer" marc can't use his own fingers to search for anything. He's using them to try and pull his head out of his ass.

Would you say the same if it were McCain?

Hell no! Why? Do you think McCain deserves it? Heck, his own base didn't believe in him. He ran a terrible campaign. He had no control over his campaign and allowed Palin trailer trash to hold klan like rallies & accused a sitting Senator of palling around with terrorists. He had no plan for the economic crisis. He just plain sucked!

Hell To The Naw!
depp=true
noitiz=Birds of a feather, and all that.

The media is pretty much in the tank for whomever Zbiggy and his thugs select as president, so you are going to see the same promos no matter who is elected. The lefties that are convinced that Obama is going to save the day will rationalize such as justice58, who thinks he deserves it, even though he already raised $600 million including foreign donations for his campaign. People don't even question him supporting Raila Odinga's election with one million dollars in American taxpayer's money. He's the wave of the future, even though our sovereignty is gone and the warfare, including biologic, will continue. Hope that answers your question.

not a great question jim,

peabody, no question that deserves an honest answer is a great one for you. You know the dollar is worthless, and yet you criticize someone for wanting to know why you are a-ok with Obama's questionable fund raising.

The lefties that are convinced that Obama is going to save the day will rationalize such as justice58, who thinks he deserves it, even though he already raised $600 million including foreign donations for his campaign.

Yes, Our President did raise $600 million, which included a chunk of mine. I will gladly do it again. If he wants it, he can have it. I love him so! I will make phone calls, donate money, knock on doors, register people to vote in order to get him elected again. Yes, I am an Obamaholic!

But you prove that President Obama received foreign donations. I want absolute proof! Otherwise...zip it, A-hole.

"But you prove that President Obama received foreign donations. I want absolute proof! Otherwise...zip it, A-hole."

Wow justice58, your courteous demands are so...um...what's the word...so much like an Obama supporter. No manners and no common sense. Your gushing reminds me of that woman that compared Obama to an airplane pilot reacting to an emergency. You want proof about the foreign donations? Your irrational insults don't really deserve it. Well, there is this questionable information here:

http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/08/obamas_donor_contributions_sil.html and here:

http://www.newsmax.com/timmerman/obama_illegal_donors/2008/10/29/145612.html

Or, you can also hear it from one of the horses' mouth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOu-3dDQuac

Well into Kaddafi's propaganda, you will hear one of the real reasons Kennedy was murdered and a mention of financial support.

And while we're at it, justice58, please prove to me that Obama is actually qualified to be POTUS. That should keep you busy for all of two minutes while you cut and run after posting more insults.

LaMedusa,

You were rude to me first. You didn't have respect for me. Why would I not return the favor?

Newsmax? Americanthinker? You're kidding me? Don't. go. there.!

Don't insult me!

And while we're at it, justice58, please prove to me that Obama is actually qualified to be POTUS.

It's not deserving of an answer! Next...

I don't resort to name calling with the commenters here.
Another website:

http://directorblue.blogspot.com/2008/05/obamas-donation-website-accepts-illegal.html

And another:

http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=Mzc1OWRiNThmZDZmZTJmODBhOTIxOGVhYzhjMjYyMGI=

And another:

http://www.nysun.com/national/secret-money-floods-campaigns/71113/

Just because a blog or news page is right or left doesn't mean I just write them off as unreliable. The articles have never been challenged for slander. And you didn't even want to check out the Youtube video with Kaddafi, assuming he would be lying about supporting Obama emotionally and financially.

So, you just get paid to comment and could care less who is POTUS. Your comments are as worthless as Adrian's. You meet your quota when you get others to post a link and you've cashed in. You are the dishonest one.

LaMedusa,

National Review?

You've gone from bad to worst. You're being ridiculous.

Just stop responding to me!

How on earth can you rationalize comparing the two costs based on Bush's private contributions alone ($42 million), vis a vis the cost of Obama's private contributions ADDED to security costs?

Any true comparison has to be private contributions + security for BOTH. Dear heavens, I know it's acknowledged America is falling behind the world in math, but surely we aren't that bad yet to be fooled by an apples=oranges comparison. Excluding security in Bush' figures while including it in Obama's is just plain dishonest.

Just stop responding to me!

As should every one else who expects you to think.

j58 - "Don't try to be slick and ignore that statement. If the figure was $160 million, I'd admit it but I don't like outright blatant lies."

Nitwit, remind me again who it was that blamed Fox for first putting out the 160 mil figure?

Nevermind, it was you:"The $160 Million price-tag was a lie started by Fox News. Then MSM started repeating it. Ugh!"

I definitively proved otherwise. Not only that the asshats at media matters confirmed the 160 mil number.

JFO - ""Lawyer" marc can't use his own fingers to search for anything. He's using them to try and pull his head out of his ass."

Apparently you missed the link that disproves that cheap shot.

Why am I not surprised you're sticking up for a race bating nutjob like j58.

I should be.

lamedusa - apparently the 5 words you quoted from me were the only ones you read?

LaMedusa,

"Well, American currency has no real value any more, so I'll have to agree, Obama deserves it."

Can I have the money in your bank account?

"mere hours from now you will see an immense national and global outpouring of disgust for bu$h"

Instead we hear people such as the Dalai Lama express their love for President Bush.

I feel so sorry for those dwelling in hate for one man who did nothing to warrant such relentless ire; the poor pitiful hater's lives must be so empty and hollow. It's sad because it is such a loser way to live.

Not one person can justify this hypocrisy. They can't even reconcile their own personal hypocrisy on this topic.

And they're PROUD of that.

I will never understand people like that and I wish to secede from these United States to get the hell away from them. Not because they have differing political beliefs. Because they are stupid, selfish, hypocritical and brazenly proud of said traits.

I want off this merry-go-round.

JimK,

LaMedusa will give you the money in her bank account. You can use it to move.

I've been reading Justice58's comments for a while now and I can only deduce that he HAS to be a plant. No one is that emotionally reactive. Exclamation points in every post. Shouts of "Liar!" and "Lies!" Declarations that anyone who disagrees with him doesn't "matter". What an idiot.

"Yes, Our President did raise $600 million, which included a chunk of mine. I will gladly do it again. If he wants it, he can have it. I love him so!"

Aw ... that's so cute.

The lefties are having a very rapid time defending Barry O's lavious spending for his ego. You can always tell when the left gets caught, they squeal. ww

Leading by example

Because of the wars and the Depression, Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt refused to have celebrations or parties following their inaugurations in 1913 and in 1937, 1941 and 1945, respectively.

Look for prices to rise realy high until we cant afford andthing and look for all those who voted for EMPORER PALPATINE OBAMA to want to kick each other in the rears for being so bamboozled by the oily ones slick and dirty campaign

Unfortunately, what do we have as legacies of WW and FDR?

I believe Olaf's Hammer needs to come out of retirement.

Look for prices to rise realy high until we cant afford andthing and look for all those who voted for EMPORER PALPATINE OBAMA to want to kick each other in the rears for being so bamboozled by the oily ones slick and dirty campaign

Please tell me how President Obama ran a dirty campaign? He ran one of the most disciplined campaigns in history of politics. Is that dirty? There was no drama? Is that dirty? He wants to unite the country. Is that dirty?

The people voted him in office. Blacks, Whites, Asians, Hispanics, Native Americans.

You have your shyt assbackwards! That hate you're feeling will fester into a cancer if you don't get a grip.

Well, we've seen what happened to the left with that sort of cancer. It's been quite illuminating.

lamedusa - apparently the 5 words you quoted from me were the only ones you read?

peabody~your whole comment was a waste of time, like any claim you may have to integrity. I suggest you go bowling with your new bff, max the hack(er).

Can I have the money in your bank account?

Dave Noble~ both yours and my "currency" holds
the same weight as j58's comments. More of nothing won't help ya. Before long, your buddies in the new admin will just take it without asking. Don't say you weren't warned.

Please tell me how President Obama ran a dirty campaign?

j58~ Oh, yeah. More dittohead. Oyster's description is right, but a real plant has a higher IQ, assuming you were actually serious with that question. You are the one so persistent with words like hate, which is the cancer of the ignorant. Yeah, I will definitely stop responding to you.

Thanks for getting the truth out there, Kim.

You are my hero.

-Ashley Todd

Gotcha, La.

So whaddaya say, can I have the money in your bank account? I've got a wheelbarrow.

Oyster,

J58 is a moby.
And not an effective one.

I remember hearing about Bush's inauguration price tag and being pretty upset about that. 160 million stunned me with sticker shock. What a terrible example to set for our nation, where the masses are drowning in credit card debt. I would much prefer a low key thing, coupled with a statement saying, "You know America, it's time to get to f#$@$n work." g

Take all the 'donations' and put them to something that people need. How many people does 160 mil feed? Build a school, fix a road, hell, anything is better than a one day party.

Of course it's a drop in the bucket compared to our bigger financial probleams, but the big outcomes are almost always influenced by the little things you do, over time. If this is how we are STARTING it.... oh boy....

Seriously what the hell is wrong with people these days? Do we not have ANY self control over the money we spend? Even in a state of dire financial times, when scaling back and living within means is critical, we go out and buy air conditioned dog houses and TVs that make coffee. All of course, on credit.

How about this.... If Obama (or any president after) can help rebuild the economy and move us away from plummeting debt and even keep 50% of his promises in his given timeline... then and only then... do you to deserve to throw your indulgent party.

j58~ Oh, yeah. More dittohead. Oyster's description is right, but a real plant has a higher IQ, assuming you were actually serious with that question. You are the one so persistent with words like hate, which is the cancer of the ignorant. Yeah, I will definitely stop responding to you.

Hmmmmmmmm....

You can't stop yourself, can you? ;)

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gotcha, La.

So whaddaya say, can I have the money in your bank account? I've got a wheelbarrow.

Retract your claws, Dave, your greed and gold-digging is starting to betray you. Better hide that wheelbarrow, they're going to take that, too. Unless you work for the Feds...never mind, same thing.

You can't stop yourself, can you? ;)

More lazy, inept comments from a perfect example of the dumbing down of America. But I realize you have a quota to make. *wink, wink, nudge, nudge...

More lazy, inept comments from a perfect example of the dumbing down of America. But I realize you have a quota to make.

You wanna talk about dumbing down of America?

Look no further than George W Bush. Listen to what Chris Rock has to say about C Students in "Never Scared".

Please drop it with the quota shyt. Just stop.
depp=true
notiz=How about you stopping with the ordering around.

Just Ice asking us to follow the wisom of Chris Rock is telling. This guy is dim. Very dim. I would say he probably never had an original thought. Just parrots what he hears. ww

Wildone,

Chris Rock is on point about C-Students.

a perfect example of the dumbing down of America.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ux3DKxxFoM

*Flatline*-----------------------ROTFLMAO

Look no further than George W Bush.

Really what is wrong with people.
Spending money like there is no tomorrow.
My sentiments exactly suhnami. Looks like the others jumped off the cliff and just accepted it's ok to spend this kind of money on a one time party without any long term benefits for the US citizens. The president works for us not the other way around.

"The president works for us not the other way around."

That's the way it was, MF. Starting tomorrow... we'll see.

Ha ha, this is great. Justice58, one of our more pathetic commie trolls, went from this:

The $160 million price-tag is a cold lie!

to this:

So what if President Obama's Inauguration price-tag is $160 million. He deserves it. He's President!

Way to move the goalposts, there, J58! Keep it up! Your soundly logical thinking and immense grasp of the facts is doing the moonbat troops proud. Grrl powah!! W00t!

By the way, Mike Nifong says "hi".

head on over to Sierra's place. She's got a lot more. Duuuuude, I'm a guy!